If we do not want to destroy our natural basis of life, we cannot produce infinitely more, not even with resource-saving processes. In the long run, we must learn to manage without economic growth in the previous sense. At the moment, however, growth seems necessary to create new gainful employment and thus compensate for the loss of gainful employment as a result of technical progress. A zero-growth economy can only work with new forms of income distribution. These must ensure that, despite technical rationalisation, all people participate in prosperity and have opportunities to be meaningfully active – without constant pressure for maximum efficiency. An unconditional basic income offers a basis for this.
We are experiencing a trend towards more responsible consumption. In principle, many people are ready for a more environmentally friendly lifestyle. However, the good will quickly comes up against financial limits. Organically produced food costs more than conventional food, and airline tickets are still cheaper than train tickets for many routes. Because an unconditional basic income makes today’s lower income groups financially better off, it enables many people to orient their consumption behaviour more towards ecological aspects than they can today. Lack of money is then no longer a reason or an excuse.
Read more at Hamburger Netzwerk Grundeinkommen link (currently available in German only)